Does anyone have any particular rules in their leagues regarding the timing of dump trades? They are bound to happen in keeper leagues, but it seems many league owners get all bent out of shape when it occurs too early.

Any suggestions on how you guys regulate dump trading would be appreciated.

First, we moved the trade deadline up. More teams still in contention meant fewer lopsided deals.

Second, we implemented a "trade tax". BOTH teams involved pay 10% of the difference in salaries being exchanged. Example: Team A trades Manny Ramirez and his $40 salary for $5 Rocco Baldelli, both teams ante up $3.50 to the pot. It's not a deterrent, but the financial aspect makes the trade a bit more equitable.

We toyed with a rule that would require all players traded after a certain date to become mandatory keepers for the next season, but there was too much unknown about how that would influence things.

As long as both owners have intentions of returning to the league and are considerate of the keeper aspect, I haven't really seen too many lopsided deals that haven't evened out eventually, though! So don't go overboard on policing dump trades...